Family Law, including Public and Private Law, Adoption and Ancillary Relief

Bristol University BSc Hon 2.1 Sociology and Politics

Leeds University CQSW qualification in Social Work

Qualified as a Solicitor in 1982

Partner at Kingswell Watts and Chadwick Lawrence

Consultant at Switalskis 

Public Law Children including representing Guardians, Children and other parties in care proceedings.

Tribunal Judge, Social Security and Disability Tribunals since 1997

Called to the Bar 2010

Membership of the Children Panel for 20years 

Represented a Sudanese refugee in complex care proceedings. Issues of cultural and language problems in a case where it became apparent that the mother had no concept, nor acceptance of, the concept of state intervention in family life. Liaison with the Sudanese community in London to assist the presentation of her case.

Represented parents of children with disability with issues of overlap between issues of child protection and the provision of appropriate services from housing and other agencies.

Represented teenage children who have seperated from their Guardians in complex care proceedings involving emotional physical and sexual abuse and also represented teenage parents both in private and public law proceedings including cases where the parents are themselves minors.

Represented parents with mental health and learning difficulties often through the Official Solicitor.